Religion, race & rights

Fadli Fawzi asked about the mosques operating on Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) and the long-term plans for these mosques. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim confirmed that seven mosques are currently on TOLs. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) aims to meet the long-term religious needs of the Muslim community by extending tenures of these mosques or finding alternative arrangements, depending on land use plans.

Assoc Prof Terence Ho questioned the Minister for Manpower about the possibility of extending wage offsets or support to encourage the hiring of chronically ill individuals, like kidney dialysis patients, who may not qualify as disabled. Shawn Huang Wei Zhong responded that individuals with chronic illnesses require differentiated support, including flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments tailored to their needs. He acknowledged the higher unemployment rates among kidney dialysis patients and noted ongoing efforts to raise employer awareness for inclusive hiring practices. The government provides resources, such as employment support services and workshops, to assist both employers and jobseekers in improving employment opportunities for those managing chronic conditions.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about specific statistics on the 2,136 new spousal abuse cases reported in the Domestic Violence Trends Report 2025, including gender, age, type of abuse, and referral sources. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that the Ministry of Social and Family Development does not currently track detailed data on spousal abuse demographics or types, but is collaborating with community agencies to gather this information. Self-referrals are a significant source of cases managed by Family Service Centres, and further details can be found in the Domestic Violence Trends Report 2025.

Poh Li San asked whether the Ministry of Transport would consider raising the age limit for Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licences above 75 years, given proper medical certification. Jeffrey Siow responded that the age limit will remain at 75, citing concerns about safety and higher accident rates among older drivers. He noted the increasing incidence of health issues in those aged 70 and above and assured that the age limit will be periodically reviewed.

Denise Phua Lay Peng asked about alternative Singpass verification options for users with medical conditions preventing facial verification and if the Ministry would review requirements to ensure inclusion. Jasmin Lau responded that there are alternative methods, such as one-time passwords and hardware tokens, for those unable to use facial recognition. All banks must provide at least one non-Singpass verification method, and the government will continue working on accessibility options. Phua emphasized the need for better communication regarding these alternatives to help affected users.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the number of non-Malay Muslims applying for and receiving financial assistance from MENDAKI's schemes over the past decade, broken down by race. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim explained that MENDAKI supports the Malay/Muslim community through various assistance programs to ensure access to higher education. From 2022 to 2025, about 70% of non-Malay Muslims were successful in their applications for MENDAKI's financial assistance, which is similar to the success rate for Malay/Muslim applicants.

Liang Eng Hwa asked if the Ministry of Manpower would consider raising the renewal age limit for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) beyond 60 for those who have worked with the same family for 20 years or more. Tan See Leng acknowledged that employers value the experience of MDWs and may wish to retain them past the age limit. The Ministry maintains the age limit to address the demands of household needs and increasing medical costs with age but may approve work permit renewals on appeal, considering the MDW's health, experience, and the employer's needs.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked whether the Ministry of Law would expand legal aid schemes or introduce targeted initiatives for individuals with special needs who do not qualify for pro bono services. Edwin Tong Chun Fai explained that the Legal Aid Bureau and Public Defender's Office already provide legal aid to citizens and permanent residents with special needs who meet the means and merits tests. Applicants with special needs who fail the means test due to extenuating circumstances can have their cases reviewed by an independent Means Test Panel. Pro Bono SG offers legal assistance through Community Law Centres and legal clinics, including schemes like the Ad Hoc Pro Bono Scheme which caters to vulnerable individuals needing exceptional legal support.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the status of a multi-agency task force aimed at aiding individuals with invisible disabilities in the justice system. Edwin Tong Chun Fai indicated that the task force, announced on 26 March 2025, was formally launched on 8 January 2026, co-led by Eric Chua and Ms. Peggy Yee. The task force consists of a diverse group from various sectors and will focus on supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health issues in the criminal justice system. It is currently in operation and will provide updates on its findings and recommendations in the future. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in Singapore's legal system.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has considered establishing Government-operated Adult Disability Homes and Day Activity Centres, and how it plans to address long waiting lists for these facilities. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that MSF relies on Social Service Agencies for these services, as they have the necessary expertise and networks. Currently, there are no plans for Government-operated facilities, but MSF will increase capacity by adding a new Adult Disability Home by 2030 and adding 500 Day Activity Centre places. MSF also prioritizes cases with urgent needs and explores community-based support options.

Elysa Chen raised several questions regarding the implications of the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) on selling and buyback prices for flats. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) provides assistance to EIP-constrained flat owners facing difficulties in selling. HDB evaluates buyback requests based on individual circumstances, including attempts to sell at a reasonable price for at least six months. Reasonableness is assessed by comparing the asking price with recent similar transactions available on HDB’s online platform. HDB uses professional valuers to determine buyback offers based on established valuation principles, allowing owners time to consider the offers.

Shawn Loh asked the Minister for Manpower about potential long-term support for SMEs to help maintain employment and wages for older workers due to productivity challenges from rapid technological changes. Tan See Leng emphasized the value of senior workers' skills and experience, highlighting the Senior Employment Credit (SEC) that offers wage offsets for employers of older workers. The SEC has been extended to the end of 2026 while a review of senior employment strategies is conducted. A Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment is actively studying ways to support employers in managing a multi-generational workforce and enabling senior workers to remain productive.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan raised concerns regarding the number of Day Activity Centre clients with caregivers aged 65 and above and the future demand for Adult Disability Homes (ADH). Masagos Zulkifli reported that about one-third of DAC clients, approximately 500 individuals, have caregivers in this age group. The ministry aims to support individuals with disabilities in the community by piloting various community-based programs to reduce reliance on residential care. Currently, over 1,000 individuals live in 11 MSF-funded ADHs, operating at over 80% capacity. Resources for future care planning and community support initiatives are available through SG Enable and other networks.

Foo Cexiang requested an update on the Inclusive Support Programme (InSP) pilot and inquired about the inclusion of environmental adjustments in preschools. Masagos Zulkifli B M M reported that the InSP effectively supports children with medium levels of early intervention, showing significant developmental progress and interactions in an inclusive setting. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) plans to add approximately 600 more InSP places from 2026, with guidelines for environmental modifications, including options like frequency modulation systems for children with hearing impairments. ECDA provides funding for these modifications, and families can also access subsidies through the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Assistive Technology Fund.

Kuah Boon Theng raised concerns about the waitlist for Day Activity Centres (DACs) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), asking for current statistics and average wait times. Eric Chua reported that there are 130 individuals on the waitlist for eight specialized DACs, with an average wait time of nine months, and announced plans to increase DAC capacity by 500 places. Kuah highlighted issues with long wait times and affordability for families, questioning whether the waitlist accurately reflects demand. Chua emphasized the ministry's commitment to improving capacity, working with private providers, and focusing on community living options for individuals with disabilities. Kuah reiterated the urgency of providing early DAC access for those with high support needs, and Chua assured that they would ramp up DAC spaces based on assessed needs.

Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari raised concerns about the rising number of long-term unemployed resident PMETs aged 50 and above despite low overall unemployment rates. Tan See Leng explained that the increase reflects an aging labor force, with the long-term unemployment rate for this demographic slightly declining from 1.2% to 1.1%. The government has invested in reskilling and job support programs aimed at mature workers, such as the Mid-Career Pathways Programme and SkillsFuture initiatives. The Ministry of Manpower is also reviewing senior employment policies through the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, with recommendations expected in the second half of 2026.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan requested information on the number of discrimination complaints received by the Ministry of Manpower and TAFEP from 2021 to 2025, along with a breakdown by types of discrimination. Tan See Leng reported that TAFEP received an average of 296 workplace discrimination complaints annually during this period. The specific breakdown by type of discrimination was provided in a table referenced but not included.

Elysa Chen queried the Minister for Manpower about the number of mothers who re-entered the workforce after caregiving breaks via the Career Conversion Programme and SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme over the last five years. Tan See Leng responded that Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore do not track the maternal status of participants in these programmes.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the employment outcomes for Special Education (SPED) school graduates in 2022, 2023, and 2024, specifically regarding their placement within a year and retention by the end of 2025, as well as the possibility of publishing annual employment data for SPED graduates. Desmond Lee explained that around half of the approximately 500 SPED graduates each year from 2022 to 2024 were employed or engaged in higher education within six months of graduation, with jobs primarily in retail, horticulture, and hospitality. Graduates with higher needs may access sheltered workshops and day activity centers for skill development. The Ministry of Education collaborates with other agencies to assess outcomes for persons with disabilities, which will be included in reports like the Disability Trends Report 2024. An inter-agency Taskforce has been established to enhance support for SPED graduates to ensure better employment outcomes.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the uptake of the Enabling Employment Credit by eligible employers, the barriers to greater utilization, and measures to raise the employment rate of persons with disabilities to 40% by 2030. Masagos Zulkifli highlighted that employers hiring residents with disabilities earning under $4,000 are automatically enrolled in the credit scheme. He referenced a previous written reply detailing barriers faced by employers and the support measures in place. Additionally, the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities will propose further recommendations to enhance support for employers and improve job resilience for persons with disabilities.